Ole Cleven (Kleven) WWI, Army Air Service

Ole Cleven was assigned into Army Signal Corps, Aero Squadron 350, prior to the creation of the Air Force.  He enlisted 11 Dec 1917 and discharged 24 Dec 1918. 

Ole had a long life and career in Stoughton.  He was a builder, having built his own home and had a long career at the Ford garage on Water Street.  He was born Jan. 17, 1892 and married Rose Bailey Jun 7, 1921.  He was a member of the American Legion for 50 years and a past commander.  He was also a member of the Stoughton Barracks, past commander.  He died Sep 4, 1973, was 81 years old and is buried at Riverside. 

Information regarding the history of the Army Aero Squadron:  “On September 18, 1947, the Department of the Air Force was created under the National Security Act of 1947. However, the signs of a future "Air Force" started some 40 years before. In 1907, the U.S. Army Signal Corps formed an Aeronautical Division. Originally focused on balloons and dirigibles, the Signal Corps purchased their first heavier-than-air flying machine from the Wright Brothers in 1909. 

This came six years after the Wright Brothers had gained fame and interest from the nation about flight and what it possibly held for the future. Under the leadership of brave men like Capt. Benjamin D. Foulois, a small group of early Army Airmen tested various aircraft and formed the first operational unit for aerial defense - the 1st Aero Squadron - in December 1913. 

Despite the efforts of the men in the Signal Corps, by the time the U.S. entered World War I in April 1917, the European countries involved in the conflict had already developed superior aircraft industries. As a result, President Woodrow Wilson created the Army Air Service on May 24, 1918. At its peak before the war ended, the service had more than 19,000 officers and 178,000 enlisted men; but soon after the armistice ended World War I, the Air Service saw rapid demobilization.”   

Above Excerpt from:  Clemson Air ROTC History